GLOTTALIC INGRESSIVE Meaning and
Definition
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Glottalic ingressive refers to a phonetic feature found in certain languages, particularly in the realm of linguistics and phonology. It describes a type of speech sound production where air enters the vocal tract through the glottis (the space between the vocal cords) while the vocal cords are in a state of closing or vibrating, resulting in a distinctive sound.
In glottalic ingressive sounds, the airflow is generated by compressing the air in the oral cavity using subglottal pressure caused by constricting the laryngeal muscles. This creates a reverse airflow, as opposed to the more typical egressive sounds where air flows outwards. The specific articulatory configuration varies across different languages, but commonly involves tightening or closing the vocal cords.
Glottalic ingressive sounds can be voiced or voiceless, and their acoustic properties depend on the actual configuration of the vocal cords and other structures involved. These sounds can occur as consonants, often with pulmonic egressive counterparts, or as unvoiced exhalations similar to breathy or whispery sounds.
This feature is relatively rare in the world's languages and is typically found in certain indigenous languages or dialects. Glottalic ingressive sounds can contribute to the phonemic inventory of a language, distinguishing it from other related languages. They play an important role in the study of phonetics and phonology, helping linguists analyze and understand the wide range of human speech sounds and their variations.
Etymology of GLOTTALIC INGRESSIVE
The term "glottalic ingressive" has its etymology rooted in linguistic terminology. Here's a breakdown of each element:
1. Glottalic: Derived from "glottal", which refers to the glottis - the space between the vocal folds in the larynx. Thus, "glottalic" pertains to sounds or articulations involving the glottis.
2. Ingressive: Derived from the Latin word "ingressus", meaning "entering". It represents an airflow or articulation involving inward or inhalation-like movement of air rather than the usual outward or exhalation-like movement.
When combined, "glottalic ingressive" refers to a linguistic phenomenon or sound production where the glottis is involved, and the airflow is ingressive, or inward. This term is commonly used in phonetics and phonology to describe specific sound features or mechanisms in various languages.
